Warning Kandahar, Haqqani Urged Justice Minister Dismissal

DID Press: Haqqani has sent a written message to Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s leader in Kandahar, warning about growing public dissatisfaction and calling for the removal of the Taliban’s Minister of Justice, say sources close to Sirajuddin Haqqani.

According to the sources, Sirajuddin Haqqani expressed serious concern in the message over the rising level of public discontent and urged Akhundzada to dismiss Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Sharaee.

Meanwhile, sources close to Sirajuddin Haqqani say that several Taliban officials based in Kabul have also asked him to urge Kandahar to adopt a more conciliatory approach toward the public and pay greater attention to the people’s basic rights.

The development comes as Abdul Hakim Sharaee, the Taliban’s Justice Minister, recently issued an order declaring Omid Sabz Township, commonly known as Haji Nabi Township, as government property and forcing its residents to leave the area. Residents have also been warned against buying or selling any properties in the township.

Following Sharaee’s order, a number of residents’ representatives traveled to Kandahar province to protest the decision, seek discussions with senior Taliban officials, and convey their objection to Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada.

The representatives of Omid Sabz Township residents were only able to meet with Mullah Shirin, the Taliban-appointed governor of Kandahar and a figure considered close to the Taliban leader. They handed him their message of protest.

Abdul Hakim Sharaee is regarded as one of the hardline figures within the Taliban government and a staunch opponent of Afghanistan’s Shiite community. During the Rabbani government, following an increase in insecurity in Khost province, he was appointed Khost’s police chief at the request of Jalaluddin Haqqani, the jihadist commander and father of Sirajuddin Haqqani. After the establishment of the Taliban movement, Sharaee joined the group.